By Olivia Schoenauer
Rolling green mountains, the iconic windmill, and the Valley of the Owls sculpture waiting in the fog.
It’s a welcoming scene driving into Canungra, one that local artist Trudy Taylor tries to see the beauty in every day.
After seeing Katie O’Brien’s photograph of Christie Street, she knew she had to capture it in her own way on canvas.
“When I saw Katie’s calendar, I thought ‘I want to do that. It’s something that hit me,’” she said.
She shares her love of the greenery and stillness surrounding the town, a natural canvas for any artist.
“The countryside is very inspiring,” she said.
Originally from Scotland, Trudy moved to Canungra in 2020 where she teaches Year 2 at Canungra State School.
Inspired by the scenic town of Canungra, Trudy prides herself on being a local artist.
“With my picture, it’s just to showcase Canungra and say what a beautiful town,” she shared.
The acrylic painting took a few weeks to complete, a hobby that Trudy loves to lose herself in over the weekends.
“It takes you to another zone”.
A member of the local artist group the 4275 Collective, Trudy praises the talent of the community group and wishes the group had more exposure.
“There’s photography, weaving, all sorts of stuff. It’s an amazing place,” she said.
Located in Appel Street, the art hub hosts workshops, sells original pieces and offers a collaborative space for all local artists.
“I guess for me, it’s about getting my artwork out there and seeing what people think,” Trudy said.
As an artist, she knows the pull of finding the next perfect scene.
But as Trudy says, creative inspiration is often right in front of you.
In Canungra, the rolling hills and quiet streets offers a picture that hardly needs enhancing – only noticing.
“Sometimes you take for granted what’s right on your doorstep,” she says.
For Trudy, painting is a way of helping others stop and see it too.
